Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
American
Barzilay Furniture: Timeless Craftsmanship with Audiophile Roots
Barzilay furniture, produced from kits in the 1960s through the 1980s, holds a unique place in mid-century design history. While typically found in classified ads rather than auction houses, these well-crafted pieces have earned a devoted following among collectors and design enthusiasts.
The company, founded by Ira S. Barzilay, catered to audiophiles during the golden age of home stereo systems. From the 1960s through the 1970s, Barzilay was a name well-known to those building their own custom sound setups. The company specialized in stereo equipment cases, speaker cabinets, and modular wall units sold in kit form. Much like today’s IKEA, Barzilay offered flexibility and personalization, allowing customers to configure their cabinets to house amplifiers, turntables, and tape recorders.
Barzilay furniture was distinguished by its quality and aesthetics. Many pieces featured exotic veneers, such as highly figured rosewood, lending a sophisticated elegance to functional designs. These timeless pieces remain sought after for their clean lines and durability.
Ira Barzilay’s journey to furniture manufacturing was as remarkable as the furniture itself. A child prodigy on the piano, Barzilay was a featured performer in the “Our Gang” and “Little Rascals” comedy series and starred alongside Shirley Temple in the 1933 film Dora’s Dunking Doughnuts. After serving as a decorated captain in the Corps of Army Engineers during World War II, Barzilay founded his furniture company, which operated successfully for over 40 years.
The business closed around 1986, reportedly due to Barzilay’s desire to retire and increasing costs associated with California’s stringent air quality laws affecting small manufacturers. Ira Barzilay passed away in 2006 at the age of 86.
Today, Barzilay furniture remains a bargain compared to similar Danish Modern pieces and is just beginning to appreciate in value. While most transactions occur through private sales or classified ads, Barzilay furniture continues to evoke fond memories for those who grew up with its presence in their homes.
One former employee’s child recalls inheriting a house full of Barzilay furniture: “Their furniture was of the best quality, and its clean lines make it timeless. My living room wall unit—a mix of shelves, a TV cabinet, and a stereo cabinet—is still a centerpiece in my home. Barzilay will always be remembered fondly.”
Barzilay furniture, once a practical choice for audio enthusiasts, has evolved into a nostalgic and cherished part of mid-century design heritage, embodying timeless style and quality craftsmanship.
Barzilay furniture, produced from kits in the 1960s through the 1980s, holds a unique place in mid-century design history. While typically found in classified ads rather than auction houses, these well-crafted pieces have earned a devoted following among collectors and design enthusiasts.
The company, founded by Ira S. Barzilay, catered to audiophiles during the golden age of home stereo systems. From the 1960s through the 1970s, Barzilay was a name well-known to those building their own custom sound setups. The company specialized in stereo equipment cases, speaker cabinets, and modular wall units sold in kit form. Much like today’s IKEA, Barzilay offered flexibility and personalization, allowing customers to configure their cabinets to house amplifiers, turntables, and tape recorders.
Barzilay furniture was distinguished by its quality and aesthetics. Many pieces featured exotic veneers, such as highly figured rosewood, lending a sophisticated elegance to functional designs. These timeless pieces remain sought after for their clean lines and durability.
Ira Barzilay’s journey to furniture manufacturing was as remarkable as the furniture itself. A child prodigy on the piano, Barzilay was a featured performer in the “Our Gang” and “Little Rascals” comedy series and starred alongside Shirley Temple in the 1933 film Dora’s Dunking Doughnuts. After serving as a decorated captain in the Corps of Army Engineers during World War II, Barzilay founded his furniture company, which operated successfully for over 40 years.
The business closed around 1986, reportedly due to Barzilay’s desire to retire and increasing costs associated with California’s stringent air quality laws affecting small manufacturers. Ira Barzilay passed away in 2006 at the age of 86.
Today, Barzilay furniture remains a bargain compared to similar Danish Modern pieces and is just beginning to appreciate in value. While most transactions occur through private sales or classified ads, Barzilay furniture continues to evoke fond memories for those who grew up with its presence in their homes.
One former employee’s child recalls inheriting a house full of Barzilay furniture: “Their furniture was of the best quality, and its clean lines make it timeless. My living room wall unit—a mix of shelves, a TV cabinet, and a stereo cabinet—is still a centerpiece in my home. Barzilay will always be remembered fondly.”
Barzilay furniture, once a practical choice for audio enthusiasts, has evolved into a nostalgic and cherished part of mid-century design heritage, embodying timeless style and quality craftsmanship.
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Mid-Century Modern Barzilay Stereo Cabinet Converted Sideboard or Credenza
H 29 in W 57 in D 18 in
$ 1,760
Sold
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Mid-Century Tambour-Door Walnut Cabinet by Barzilay
H 32 in W 30 in D 18 in
Sold
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Tambour-Door Walnut Credenza by Barzilay
H 34 in W 48 in D 18 in
Sold
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Mid-Century Sculpted Walnut Tambour-Door Credenza by Barzilay
H 33 in W 48 in D 18 in
Sold
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Mid-Century Tambour-Door Credenza with Drawers by Barzilay
H 32 in W 53 in D 20 in
Sold
Sold
Barzilay Furniture Manufacturing
Mid-Century Barzilay Tambour-Door Walnut Credenza
H 26 in W 72 in D 18 in
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